Career and Education Opportunities for Geological Specialists in Washington

Washington has a population of 6,664,195, which has grown by 13.07% over the past 10 years. Nicknamed the "Evergreen State," its capital is Olympia, though its biggest city is Seattle.

There are currently 1,010 working geological specialists in Washington; this should grow 25% to 1,270 working geological specialists in the state by 2016. This is better than the national trend for geological specialists, which sees this job pool growing by about 17.5% over the next eight years. Geological specialists generally study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the earth.

A person working as a geological specialist can expect to earn about $33 per hour or $69,270 annually on average in Washington and about $38 per hour or $79,160 annually on average in the U.S. as a whole. Incomes for geological specialists are not quite as good as in the overall category of Physical Sciences in Washington, and better than the overall Physical Sciences category nationally. People working as geological specialists can fill a number of jobs, such as: core analyst, geophysicist, and sedimentationist.

In 2008, there were a total of 4,012,270 jobs in Washington. The average annual income was $42,747 in 2008, up from $41,919 in 2007. The unemployment rate in Washington was 8.9% in 2009, which has grown by 3.5% since the previous year. Roughly 27.7% of Washington residents have college degrees, which is higher than the national average.

The top industries in Washington include software publishers, offices of dentists, and overhead traveling crane, hoist, and monorail system manufacturing. Notable tourist attractions include the Seattle Metropolitan Police Museum, the History House, and the Laser Fantasy International.

CITIES WITH Geological Specialist OPPORTUNITIES IN Washington

JOB DESCRIPTION: Geological Specialist

In general, geological specialists study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the earth. They also may use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems.

Every day, geological specialists are expected to be able to read and understand documents and reports. They need to listen to and understand others in meetings. It is also important that they articulate ideas and problems.

Similar jobs with educational opportunities in Washington include:

Astronomer. Observe, research, and interpret celestial and astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge and apply such information to practical problems.

Atmospheric Scientist. Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses.

Chemist. Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or chemical experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Environmental Health and Safety Specialist. Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Utilizing knowledge of various scientific disciplines may collect, synthesize, and take action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, and other sources.

Geographic Information Systems Analyst. Study nature and use of areas of earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.

Hydrologist. Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.

Scientist. Study the chemical composition and physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

LOCATION INFORMATION: Washington

Washington photo by Kelvin Kay

Washington has a population of 6,664,195, which has grown by 13.07% over the past 10 years. Nicknamed the "Evergreen State," its capital is Olympia, though its largest city is Seattle. In 2008, there were a total of 4,012,270 jobs in Washington. The average annual income was $42,747 in 2008, up from $41,919 in 2007. The unemployment rate in Washington was 8.9% in 2009, which has grown by 3.5% since the previous year. About 27.7% of Washington residents have college degrees, which is higher than the national average.

The top industries in Washington include software publishers, offices of dentists, and overhead traveling crane, hoist, and monorail system manufacturing. Notable tourist destinations include the Birthplace of Seattle Log House Museum, the History House, and the Boeing and Eames IMAX Theatres.